I don’t know about you, but there are certain flavors combinations that I can’t turn down. I will try a recipe, no questions asked, if it features two of my favorite flavors.

Peanut butter has been a staple in our home since our oldest child, Colton, began toddling around. I still remember the look of sheer delight on his face when he took a bite of his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Homemade ice cream is truly one of those treats you have to try at least once to fully appreciate just how great it is compared to store-bought varieties. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll eat just about any kind of ice cream that’s being offered, but most can’t compete to the creamy, fresh flavor made in your own kitchen.

Every May, Land O’Lakes hosts a wonder brunch event for our foodservice customers in Chicago prior to the National Restaurant Association’s annual show. This show is attended by just about everyone who is involved in the foodservice industry.

Ryan and I have big news: this fall, we are expecting our first child! We are so excited to be expanding our little family – and our parents and siblings are delighted as well. Ryan and I are both first-borns, so this will be the first grandchild on both sides. Needless to say, the aunties-to-be are arm-wrestling over who gets to babysit first and the moms are already in shopping mode!

When I’m talking about cooking or baking with friends, I often hear them say, "I don’t like baking, it’s too complicated" or "I don’t make anything with a crust, it never turns out right." I sympathize with their frustrations; I have made many pie crusts and baked goods that have turned out too dry, too doughy, or went straight to the trash.

Shortbread is one of my favorite cookies. Crisp, light, buttery…just a few fresh ingredients perfectly combined in a classic treat. As a transplant to Minnesota, I’ve grown to appreciate the Scandinavian influences found in many local baked goods.

It’s graduation time, and my youngest daughter is graduating from her K-8 school this spring. The school holds a ceremony and provides a cake, and the parents fill in the dessert buffet with other treats and snacks.